CO+HOOTS Foundation Equity Now Scholarship Awardees
CO+HOOTS Foundation (COFDN) is a 501(c)(3) focused on deploying capital and scholarships to underrepresented entrepreneurs in order to rebuild power structures that work for all.
Nathan Beraldo
Scholarship Year: 2021-2022
Nathan Beraldo, a creative entrepreneur from Brazil, came to the U.S. to pursue soccer at university. While excelling on the field, he discovered a passion for graphic design and photography, sparking his interest in visual storytelling. This blend of creativity and entrepreneurship led him to build a career at the crossroads of design, business and innovation.
"CO+HOOTS taught me the importance of networking, to the point my friends started calling me NATEworking. Having good relationships with clients, or creating them is a big part of business. Business plan was a word that was new and scary for me. With the use of an online platform that CO+HOOTS provided me, I was able to dissect every single part of it with success."
Jonatan Amastal
Scholarship Year: 2022
Born in Puebla, Mexico, Jonatan migrated to the U.S. at age 7 with his family, facing language barriers and cultural challenges. Despite these obstacles, they worked together, with his father playing a key role in their success. They started a construction company, improving their lives and creating stability. Jonatan's story highlights immigrant resilience and the value of their contributions to communities and the country.
"The scholarship allowed me not to worry about working in order to pay for my tuition and instead focus on passing my classes. This allowed me to pass the classes with good grades as well as created time for me to focus on creating my own design agency, Azteca Graphics."
Kanoe Quintal
Scholarship Year: 2022-2023
My name is Kanoelani Quintal and I’m a senior studying graphic design. I am a native Hawaiian. I have a sports photography company called KQ Designs.
"The scholarship provided me with financial relief during a tough time in my life. I was able to continue my education without the financial worries."
Nancy Valdez
Scholarship Year: 2024
I’m a junior at Benedictine University, majoring in entrepreneurship and I am also a player of the softball team. I have always had an interest in business, and I hope to one day have a business of my own!
"Participating in COHOOTS pushed me out of my comfort zone, opening up new opportunities for growth and exploration."
Jessica Rogel
Scholarship Year: 2024
I'm a Benedictine University student as well as a striving entrepreneur with my entertainment business, Illuminating Cave.
"The scholarship helped me remember that as long as one keeps trying, there will always be someone to help.”
By 2025
The face of entrepreneurship will mirror the face of our community.
Scholarship FAQ
Entrepreneurs or soon-to-be entrepreneurs can apply of color, women and any individual from a marginalized community can apply. If you are not an incorporated entity yet, you must incorporate within 6 months of receiving scholarship. Please reach out if you need help in incorporating.
Scholarships can be used to offset tuition from qualified colleges and universities, cover transportation or attendee tickets for conferences, or for startup costs.
Scholarships range from $500 to $2500 based on need and qualifications.
We open applications quarterly and will announce awardees within 30 days.
This varies, but on average we award 2-3/ quarter.
Once you are awarded, you are expected to complete quarterly update reports which ask how you have used the awarded funds and what impact it has had on your business and entrepreneurial pursuits.
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